Blog One: Freedom Is Your Right and Mine Too

Our country has endured many changes politically, physically and mentally over the hundreds of years of being present. The most noticeable changes occurred after the 1500’s. Laws were instilled, the lands and the people began to grow and the situations that were to occur in short time were greater than dreamed. From the late 1700’s to 2012 many memorable changes have taken place, each bettering the United States of America and each chronologically helping one another on the path through history. Directly following the American Revolution in 1775, a written document was drafted. This document preached of freedom from Great Britain, and King George III, stating the demand for becoming free and independent states. The people of the United States of America had a utopian thought of government in store for their developing country, along with a principle of equality and guaranteeing the unalienable rights possessed by each American; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. This document is known as the Declaration of Independence (1776). After many wars, conflicts and disagreements the United States of America had finally become free and independent, as proposed. Since the freeing of America, the people were able to construct a more suitable government and produce laws that came from the voices of the people with the thought of protection, stability and growth. Yearly on July 4th celebrations are held across America in appreciation for our birth given freedom. Though it is know that freedom is not earned, one is born with it and it should never have to be concealed, it is important that each American learn of where their freedom came from and why it is celebrated. Yet with so much emphasis put on being free, it seems that at a time within the United States of America, the people forgot about the struggles they went through with being held bondage as they began to degrade others who were not granted the same freedom, mostly dependant on race. All of the United States was free, except those who bore the labors and hardship, the colored people; they were to continue as before, not knowing the feeling of freedom until many years later. The following ten years the United States of America officials worked diligently to create a document that stood for their country, giving the rules, regulations and consequences of each action. Ratified in June of 1788, this document is known as the United States of America Constitution. The Constitution gave the people a voice of favor and guidance, as well as those who wished to run in political positions. Consisting of the Preamble, one of the most notable writings within the Constitution, seven Articles and twenty-seven Amendments, each and every circumstance was taken into consideration and clearly identified within. The Amendments, which are of great importance to the people, explain the rights and duties as an American. Within the twenty-seven Amendments are three that stand out above the rest that may sometimes be looked over, Amendment Thirteen, slavery abolished, Amendment Fourteen, citizenship rights, and Amendment Fifteen, race no bar to vote. Each writing is of different concerns, but all are linked by the voice of freedom. Amendment Thirteen was ratified in 1865 and became a memorable day for all those under the oppression of others. Now the colors were free as the whites were and the United States of America were beginning to live up to their words of all created equal and free. About three years later, the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified explaining that as a citizen if one was born within the United States they are a legal citizen and receive the same privileges as all others. The breaking point of change began not only after the freedom of slaves were given, but in 1870 when the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified giving them the power of voice, a power in government, a power that was going to continue to grow, the power to vote. Though the aspect of freedom was lost with the United States of America, it was slowly but surely being found within the colored community as they believed in people being people and nothing more, regardless of any noticeable differences. On a cool winter day in December of 1955, a sweet old lady was taken away in hand cuffs because of the refusal to move so the white passenger on the bus could sit down. Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, the first lady of civil rights and the mother of the freedom movement, was the women who rebelled against the laws that made a national statement to other colors of America. This moment in history began to alert colored people in the thought that today and the days after, this is the time we stand up and make a change. Change was not going to happen on its own; it is only caused by action. This movement inspired many to protest, rebel, and create a voice for those who were unable or afraid to speak up. Freedom was given to the colored, yet it was limited. There is no such thing as limited freedom, in reality the “freedom” given to them wasn’t freedom at all because they were still under the mercy of the whites. They didn’t receive the same privileges or resources, but that would soon change thanks to Mrs. Parks who sat and refused to stand aside. Born in Georgia as Michael Luther King, Jr., later changing his name to Martin Luther King, Jr., he has become one of the greatest and remember nonviolent activist in history. From his many inspirational speeches to his actions made, King was beloved and highly favored in both black and some white communities. Following Parks, King picked up on the works of the NAACP and the movement for civil rights. King gained the attention of all and completed many outstanding goals, slowly but surely helping progress the movement started. The most memorable moment of Kings life was in April 1968, where he was assassinated on his hotel balcony. Hearts were touched and people were distraught at the loss of another great. The death of King is of great importance because just as he brought people together when he was alive, his death brought more than expected closer. His death was a wakeup call to all stating that the war for freedom is not an easy path to follow nor guide, but every moment plans are put into actions and moves are made you are one step closer to freedom. January 20th, 2009 history was made. The first black president was elected into office and his name was Barack Obama. Many were in awe and disbelief, but thousands were filled with joy because a new era had come. Though there were some who opposed the thought of an African America running the United States of America, change had happened and the people spoke. This progress has showed how far African Americans have come, inspiring people and giving them hope for a better tomorrow. Obama is continuously being put down by other politicians and social media, yet he continues forth with disregard and little remarks because his main concern is this country and trying to save it from the disaster started before him. As President Barak Obama says, “Yes we can!” Freedom is the main point of my argument, yet to know the feeling of freedom is to be truly happy. The only concern is that we are all not all happy and we are all not free; as we are being held down by particular obstacles put in place and shall never know the feeling. But with the knowledge of our history and seeing the steps taken to get to this point in life where everyone is equal, where there are minor discriminations and we’re given the honor to see history be made as Barack Obama leads America, trying to recover from previous mistakes made. The freedom we have is taken granted each day, but if we all take the time out to reflect on history, I am sure there shall be a greater appreciation within everyone. Freedom is at our finger tips, yet we clueless let it get away from us, but we must continue to fight because the war may never be over. I will not let this slow me down because I know; Freedom Is Your Right And Mine Too.